I struggle to keep my girl alive amid energy bills
A MOTHER has told of her agony at soaring energy bills which mean she is struggling to afford to keep her disabled daughter alive.
Fourteen-year-old Freya Hunter has cerebral palsy, is blind, immobile and suffers from chronic respiratory problems – leaving her dependent on medical machinery for survival – including an oxygenator to help her breathe.
Freya cannot regulate her own temperature and radiators must be kept on in her home outside Stirling to keep her warm. She also uses a powered wheelchair which requires electricity.
Now Freya’s mother Carolynne, 49, has said that the recent surge in energy prices has seen her power bill almost treble to more than £6,500 a year. After the recent hike she is now paying £543.33 a month. In March, she paid around £220. Ms Hunter said she faces the prospect of either racking up huge debts – or having to put Freya into care.
She said: ‘I can’t lose Freya. She wouldn’t survive in care because she wouldn’t be loved. It is a basic need to be warm and safe in your home. It is not a luxury.’
Ms Hunter began campaigning about how energy costs were harming families with disabled members in March.
Despite offering to come and visit her, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has not intervened, and no help has been offered from the UK Government.
Scottish Labour spokesman for health Jackie Baillie said: ‘There can be no argument or further delay, both governments have a moral duty to help disabled people in these circumstances.’